College Q&A: First-time students can get extra help

I want to go to college so I can get a good job and not have to worry about money, but no one in my family has ever gone to college. I'm worried about what to expect. Can you help me?

You're on the right track. Getting a college education is more important now than ever. The job market is very competitive, and the more education you have, the easier it is to get and keep a job. Not to mention that those with a college education (associate or bachelor's degree) make approximately $1 million more over a lifetime than those who only have a high school diploma.

Victoria College is dedicated to student success. VC offers a number of student support resources that will provide you with the support you'll need to make the most of your opportunities - we do all we can to help you achieve your dreams.

You mentioned that you'd be the first in your family to attend college. You may qualify as a member of the KEY Center. K-E-Y stands for Knowledge, Exploration and You.

First generation and low income students, along with students with documented disabilities, have access to the KEY Center's Student Support Services. This program provides extensive assistance and support for member students by providing tutoring and supplemental instruction services, counseling and career exploration, cultural events and workshops that address such topics as time management and technology.

Victoria College was recently awarded its third TRiO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Grant funds will continue to support the KEY Center and its student support programs for an additional five years, beginning in September 2010 and ending in August 2015.

But VC also offers many more student support resources. New students are required to take a New Student Information Session that will help you learn how register, enroll and when and how to pay for classes. You'll also get an introduction to online classrooms and the Pirate Portal where you'll access your student account, e-mail, grades and transcripts.

A Student Success class is also required for all new students entering college for the first time and serves as an introduction to learning strategies and skills along with motivational techniques specifically targeted to college-level academics. The activities you will participate in as part of the course will serve as an important resource to help you discover your own learning style and how to utilize these newly learned study strategies and skills.

For more information, contact our Pre-College Programs staff at 361-485-6823.

Do you have a question about The Victoria College? Contact Katy Long, Writer/Photographer, at 361-573-3291, Ext. 3408 or www.victoriacollege.edu